Birmingham Repertory Theatre wholeheartedly welcomes this vital pledge of support from Government for the UK’s world-leading arts sector. This vote of confidence recognises our industry’s huge role in the economic, educational, and social wellbeing of the UK.
As the Second City’s major producing theatre, The REP can now look forward to making our contribution to recovery. Working with other organisations, freelancers, ACE and DCMS, we hope that funds can be distributed in a representative and inclusive way that embraces the challenges and creative opportunities of working in a new cultural landscape.
The recently announced Theatre Artists Fund, which has been set up to provide emergency support for theatre workers and freelancers across the UK, is also a welcome development in ensuring the future of the UK’s cultural landscape, and support a large part of the industry’s workforce.
Whilst we have been continuing with our wider civic mission during these unprecedented times – proceeding with our vital education and outreach work, and engaging with our communities – we can now also look forward to creating new shows, and welcoming audiences back to our building once it is safe to do so.
At a time where Birmingham’s vibrant cultural renaissance will be coming to the forefront of international attention in Commonwealth Games ’22, it is reassuring to know that this investment will enable The REP to grow our international reputation as a leading producing theatre, and to contribute to the life of the nation with playful, popular and pioneering theatre for all.